Star Pelaw look for entries for the track's first hurdles race

First hurdles race set for next week at Star Pelaw

Star Pelaw reminds trainers that entries for the first hurdles race at the track - and the first hurdles race for over a year - are being sought.

The Bet On Course With Star Sports Hurdle over 435m closes to entries at noon on Friday and takes place along with a host of other opens at the Chester-le-Street venue being staged next Tuesday (March 24).

Racing manager David Gray said: “Hurdles racing finally gets underway next week with a one-off OR advertised in the GBGB Calendar for Tuesday. It will be worth £350 plus a trophy to the winner, with £100 others.

“Ricky Holloway, who was impressed with our set-up when he had the first trials here, has promised to support us and hopefully we’ll be able to assist in reinvigorating the hurdles scene which disappeared with the closure of Crayford.”

Gray is also still on the lookout for a deputy racing manager at the north-east track.

He explained: “It’s a position which has been vacant for the last month or so and we’d welcome applications from anyone with a background or interest in the industry to enhance our racing team."

Meanwhile, a busy Sunday at Star Pelaw saw training honours go to Newcastle’s Chloe Hardy.

“Chloe had two winners and a second from her three runners,” said Gray. 

“First up was Bramble Elvis who was impressive dropping back down in trip and recorded a smart 25.51 for the 435m.

“Vinegarhill Rhys then took out the top division of the maiden 435m in a spot slower. He was making his Star Pelaw debut which made the run even better after showing excellent early pace in his recent performances at Newcastle.

“He took the step up in class in his stride and is certainly one to keep on the right side of in the coming weeks you’d think.”